The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1887-01-06
AN AUTUMN PICNIC.
Quser Types of Humanity Among the
Mountaineers of Virginia.

Ou0er types OF humanity among tho
Mountaineers of Virginia.
He started up the Virginia reel, and
almost instantly the features of the
listeners underwent change. The
old familiar strain had wonderful ef-
feet. After awhile some of them be-
came uneasy, and before the tune died
out two of the mountaineers suddenly
made break for the board walk and
began to dance. 1t was an old break
down, rendered in a manner that would
have excited the envy of a song-and
dance man. Here was the original of
which the guests had heretofore only
seen the imitation. Around and around
each other they went, never missing
the time, no matter how fast and how
furious the music. The suns warm
rays did not affect them in the least
They kept it up till the musicians gave
out from sheer exhaustion, and were
heartily applauded by the spectators,
who enjoyed the novel sight. The
| dancers were odd characters, one in par
ticular, being known throughout this
sect on as John Huekleberry, 1.-The Man
Eater He is said to be the strongest
man in the mountains, being a match
for any six men. At one time he was
attacked by half-dozen negroes, any
one of whom was more than a match
for an ordinary man. Within five
minutes, With no weapons but
his fists, he cleaned out the party. The
blows he dealt left marks visible for
days to come. At another time, on
wager, he bit ten-penny nail in two.
The mountaineers respect his prowess,
and look upon him as leader. The
giant is about six feet two inches in
height, and is of herculean build. His
shoulders are on the Sullivan order, as
are also his arms. but the STOPPING pos
ture acquired by the mountaineers
makes his chest, which would other
wise be broad and expansive, appear
fat and hollow. When sober he is good
natured and tractable, but when in his
cups he is a hard customer to manage.
The man-eater's partner in the dance
was lame man with basket on his
arm. His physical imperfect.ons did
not interfere with his movements. Aft
er a time, when the music ceased,
some of the men withdrew to the
further end of the lawn, where a ring
was formed. One of the youths pulled
out mouth harmonica, and as the
wild strains swung to the breeze, four
mountain boys started to the center and
began rollicking sort of dance. In
this way the picknickers enjoyed them
selves throughout the day.
Just about sundown the musicians
gave the usual concert on the lawn.
After playing a number of airs they
decided to give the mountaineers an
other tenefit. This time they selected
"Sallie in the Garden" the welI-known
..Buzzard" air. The women thought
, the men had danced enough, SO they
, prevailed on two of their number tc
start the ball. A tall, slim woman in
black, about forty-five years of age
! with Shaker bonnet, and young CIR
of eighteen responded. There was NJ
winging, as is seen at tough balls In
|, your city, but the side steps and shuttle
+ were immense They tossed themselve
!, all over the board, afforling infinit'
r. amusement to the spectators. For fiv,
minutes they danced together, then tn
, young girl gave out. The old woman
7 however, kept it up until the musician
were tired out. Tt was an endurance
:, match. and the aged dancer carried Of
. the prize. When conplimented on he
= performance, she remarked, with
: proud toss of her head: 20, I'm
hard-working woman, l am." and sh
& looked it. Late at night the picnicker
{ started for home, which many did nc
. reach until the following morning
4 Orkney (Va) Cor. Boston Herald.